Aloha Podcast Network

Today, we're going to discuss Hawaii Bungalows and Villas. This question arises frequently, and today, I will clarify what these terms truly mean in the context of accommodations here in the Hawaiian Islands. Recently, a client called me and attempted to compare Hawaii to Bora Bora, which is like comparing apples and oranges.When you hear the terms Villa or Bungalow, certain images come to mind for most people. It typically denotes a detached, separate accommodation with some privacy and possibly two floors. Villas are typically larger than even a standard house and generally are more luxurious.  A bungalow is usually a single-story home with one level or a variation of a raised structure, sometimes over the water. It’s usually a bit more rustic and, in terms of vacations, part of all-inclusive resorts in places like Bora Bora, New Zealand, or Maldives.

Hawaii's Bungalows and Villas: Myth vs. Reality

The truth is, in Hawaii, the terms "Villas" and "Bungalows" don't quite align with their conventional definitions. While these words may conjure images of luxurious, detached properties with sprawling gardens and serene verandas, the reality is often different. In this tropical paradise, these terms are often associated with condominiums, vacation rentals, or resort-style accommodations that provide a taste of the Hawaiian experience but not necessarily the detached opulence you might envision.Let’s give you some examples of Hawaii bungalows or villas you may be hearing about. I think the terms are a bit overused and, in some cases, misleading.

For example, let's discuss the Royal Lahaina Beach Hotel and Bungalows. I adore the Royal Lahaina for its excellent value and cost-effectiveness when we're trying to stay within our budget on Maui. However, it's important to note that the "bungalows" here aren't precisely what you'd typically envision as bungalows. I can see why they're referred to as such, but the reality differs. These "bungalows" consist of four separate studio rooms (some of which can be connected) within a single building designed to resemble a cottage.

Another example of properties labeled as "Villas" but don't quite fit the traditional villa definition are condo-like accommodations. An example is the Kaanapali Villas on Maui. These properties are essentially condos, with some units featuring lofts, which might be where the concept of calling them "villas" comes from. Similarly, places like The Island Colony Villas on the Big Island are more accurately described as condo complexes situated on a golf course on the Big Island.

Here are a few more instances where the "villa" label may be a bit of a stretch:

Kauai - Koloa Landing- Kalanipuu Villas- The Villas at Poipu Kai Wyndham Bali Hai & Kauai Beach Villas- Westin Princeville Resort VillasOahu- Ko O‘lina Beach Club and Villas - Disney Aulani VillasMaui- Kaanapali Villas- Wailea Beach Villas- Kapalua Villas - Maui Bay villas - Big Island Island Colony - Waikaloa Beach Villas- Fairway Villas

The True Face of Hawaiian Bungalows and Villas

That being said, there are indeed some remarkable accommodations in Hawaii that come close to providing a true villa experience. However, be prepared to splurge on these options. Here are a few examples of actual villas.Oahu - Turtle Bay Villas - Tiki Moon Villas- Ke Iki Beach BungalowsMaui- Fairmont Kea Lani- Andaz Maui - Montage Maui- Luana Maui- Ho‘olei at Grand WaileaBig Island- Various individually owned villa-like properties- Mauna Lani Villas - Hualalai Villas at Four Seasons

In conclusion, while Hawaii offers a wide range of accommodations, the labels "bungalow" and "villa" are sometimes used liberally and may not always align with their traditional definitions. It's important to research and understand the specifics of your chosen accommodation to ensure it meets your expectations.

In this episode, we share some reflections on how realizing we were gay also led to a richer, deeper, more meaningful life.

The main topic starts at around (8:45).

Being queer, non-binary, LGBTQ+ definitely has its hardships. But it can also come with priceless positive benefits. Benefits that you can’t buy with money, such as being genuinely more open-minded, compassionate, and perceptive, among other things. 

Also in this episode, you can hear Toast’s reactions to seeing the 1973 movie “The Exorcist” for the first time, in 2023. This ep was recorded on Halloween, and you'll also hear references to poltergeists and ghosts.

https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/lifes-personal-growth-program-for-lgbtq-folks-like-us

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Kapaa (pronounced ka pah ah) is on the east side of the island of Kauai. In 1777 (Captain Cook’s time) the town was not populated, according to the book Rainbows Over Kapaa by Bill Fernandez. There is no mention of Kapaa, which means the solid”, in early Kauai history. In 1877, 13,400 acres were leased from the government by Makee Sugar Company. The venture failed because the operators had little knowledge about growing and processing sugar and the town was doomed to become “a backwater habitat of isolated squatter shanties of expatriate Chinese laborers.” Nevertheless, Kapaa turned its fortune around with a unique identity of mixed cultures and cheap land.

Emanating the American Dream, Kapaa’s early settlers created a thriving town. Visit Kapaa town today and you’ll see a large city (for Kauai) bustling with cars, stores, award-winning restaurants, hotels, resorts, shopping centers, and tourist attractions.

Where to Eat

For breakfast, I recommend the Kauai Benedict at Country Kitchen, which is made with lomilomi salmon and Kalua Pork atop thick Molokai sweetbread. Alternatively, you can try their Mediterranean omelet. I've had both dishes there, and the omelet is packed with veggies, essentially making it a veggie omelet. Be prepared for a potential wait; although there isn't much of a view, it's worth it and a great way to start your morning. Additionally, it's worth mentioning the Olympic Cafe, also a great spot for breakfast. They serve some of the best Macadamia nut pancakes I've ever eaten, with generous portions and a pleasant view. You can also visit this place for brunch or lunch.

Kauai Benedict

Let me introduce you to Kenji Burgers for lunch. Their burgers are truly exceptional, and this place isn't just your typical burger joint; it adds a delightful Japanese twist to these delectable creations. But that's not all; Kenji Burgers also serves up some incredible burritos. Their burrito options are nothing short of amazing. You absolutely must try their Japanese Sushi burrito, which features a tantalizing combination of Spicy tuna, Shrimp tempura, Crab meat, and a crispy wonton shell, making it a delightful and fun culinary experience.

Japanese Burrito

One of my favorite restaurants for dinner is Sam’s Oceanview in the heart of Kapaa. The food is delicious. The couple of times I’ve eaten here, I’ve had fresh fish; this last time, the Parmesan-Encrusted fresh Mahi Mahi was exceptional. The views are amazing here, so make sure you visit before the sunset. If you're in the mood for takeout that's not too fancy, I have to recommend Chicken in a Barrel in Kapaa; it's excellent. They specialize in smoked BBQ, but I particularly adore their ribs. They're incredibly juicy, and the meat practically falls off the bone. You can pair them with their chili for an unbeatable combo.

Parmesan-encrusted fresh Mahi Mahi

Kappa Outdoor Fun

Kapaa also has three beautiful beaches, which are accessible year-round for swimming, surfing, and snorkeling. Rent a bike and ride beside the ocean on the 2.5-mile paved Ke Ala Hele Makalae or “the path that goes by the coast.” The path takes you along, stretching from Lydgate Beach Park to the picturesque Donkey's Beach. Kapaa has five streams, Hoopi Falls, and five parks. Nounou or “Sleeping Giant,” provides day hikes with ocean views. You can enjoy a self-guided tour of the beautiful 300-acre Hindu monastery, take a chocolate tour at Lydgate Farms, kayak along the Wailua River, or play golf.

Kapaa: Local Shopping and events

Make sure you take the time to savor the Royal Coconut Coast, part of old Kapaa Town and offer an excellent way to support the local community through shopping. One of the most enjoyable ways to explore Kapaa is at a leisurely pace on foot. Old Town Kapaa is brimming with quirky clothing stores, diverse ethnic restaurants, handcrafted Hawaiian goods, musical vibes, fruit stalls, cozy coffee shops, yoga studios,

We’re a couple of Asian Americans who grew up in Hawaii back in the ‘70s and ‘80s. In this episode, we talk about what it was like back then, to realize, slowly over time, that we were gay.

The main topic discussion starts at around 10 minutes.

(Before that, Siena’s on a mission to educate Toast about classic movies.)

We’re a couple of Asian Americans who grew up in Hawaii back in the ‘70s and ‘80s. In this episode, we talk about what it was like back then, to realize, slowly over time, that we were gay.

The main topic discussion starts at around 10 minutes.

(Before that, Siena’s on a mission to educate Toast about classic movies.)

For Toast’s portion, topics include:

a seven year-old’s awareness

“Jo” on The Facts of Life TV show

being ‘non-heterosexual’ was not on the menu

Princess Leia and the gold bikini

and more

For Siena’s portion, topics include:

growing up with aunts and uncles with ‘friends’ who were the same sex

no direct references to aunts or uncles being ‘gay’

‘bisexuality’ was not on the menu

‘being feminine while being lesbian’ was not on the menu

and more

Episode show notes: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/how-did-you-first-know-you-were-gay

https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/how-did-you-first-know-you-were-gay

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On the last podcast, I talked about driving the Ka iwi coast, which prompted a couple of responses from you. Jason, who is a long-time listener, was curious about the hike I take, and I sent him the route; he’s gonna plug it into his iFit. I also heard from Trish, who asked me about car rental in Hawaii and if I have any advice, so we talked about that on today’s podcast.

The best part of being in Hawaii is exploration. Whether on a guided tour or on your own with a Hawaii car rental, your Hawaiian experience is enhanced by the ability to get out and see the islands' beauty. I am surprised at how many people never leave their hotel when they come to the islands. Your vacation to Hawaii should never revolve solely around staying in a hotel.

Having a Hawaii car rental is pretty much synonymous with a Hawaii trip, so it's recommended on all islands. However, on Oahu, you can probably get away with having a rental car for just a couple of days. But if you plan on staying outside Waikiki, having a car is a must.

A Car Rental in Hawaii saves you money!

Having a car grants you an abundance of flexibility when crafting your itinerary, given the vast array of sights and activities to explore on the islands. While it's true that a rental car can't entirely replace the experience of guided tours to certain attractions, it can often translate into cost savings, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. Many Hawaii tour companies have raised their pickup fees significantly in recent years, especially for popular events like luaus. For a family of four, the transportation cost alone could easily reach $200.00.Conversely, another compelling reason to have a car at your disposal pertains to the changes also brought about by the pandemic. Many attractions that once provided transportation as part of their packages have discontinued this service. This shift is particularly notable on Oahu, where numerous visitors seek out adventures like ziplining on the picturesque North Shore or embarking on horseback riding adventures in Mokuleia. Unfortunately, due to financial constraints, many vendors can no longer afford to include transportation, leaving travelers to their own devices when it comes to reaching these sought-after destinations.

Car Rental in Hawaii - Pro Tips

Hawaii car rental prices vary from island to island and depend on the time of year. Most car rental companies are here, including Turo, which is becoming very popular in the islands. The average price of a car can range from $49.00 for an economy car to $175 for a luxury or Jeep vehicle. This does not include taxes and fees, which can be substantial. If you use a company like ours, these fees are included, and you can save money if you bundle a car into your Hawaii vacation package. Gas is another factor to consider, so rent the smallest car if possible. Also, on Oahu, there are ride-sharing and electric car alternatives. Parking is very expensive in Hawaii. In some cases, the cost of parking is more than renting the car itself. Make sure you factor that in when budgeting for your Hawaii vacation. Be care to to take out toomuch insurance! Many guests are so exhausted when they arrive they just sign up for all the extras incuding emergency towing and not realize they added hundres of dollars to the car rental cost.

Fun Scenic Drives

Oahu - Circle Island Scenic Drive: A trip to Oahu is incomplete unless you have visited the North Shore. It's likely you'll be staying in Waikiki, so this is a fun Hawaii car rental all-day adventure. It’s best to get an early start and take the 45-minute dive directly to the North Shore and circle the entire island.

Dole Plantation

Wailea Coffee Plantation

Rum Faculty

Haleiwa and Alii Beach (Turtles)

Waimea, Sunset, and Pipeline Beaches (Huge winter waves)

Sharks Cove

Kualoa Ranch

Mac nut Factory

Maui - Scenic Drive Upcountry: A scenic drive upcountry Maui is an enchanting journey through lush lan...

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Just because a lesbian couple is married does not mean they really want you to call them “wives.” We can’t totally explain it, we just know it’s true. In this episode, we have fun musing over the reasons for our mutual distaste for the term ‘wife.’

We also share some personal stories about other terms you could use, along with a funny, awkward anecdote from the era before such broad social awareness of the LGBTQ community, that exists now.

We start discussing the main topic at around 8:15 into the episode.

For the Protein Cookie Recipe, check out the show notes on our podcast blog at SienaandToast.com

A few related episodes:

The Problem with Pronouns: Misgendered Adventures

Is ‘Coming Out’ Still a Thing?

Coming Out: Process and Our Stories

Pride Month: Good People Celebrate Goodness

LGBTQ-positive Peace, Love, and Laughs: a Pride Month episode

Pride: Then and Now

Connect with Siena and Toast on Instagram

Visit their website at SienaandToast.com

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The confusion with pronouns and misgendering has been around a long time. Like, for decades. It’s just that we as a society never talked about it, in public conversation. In this episode, we share some funny stories about being misgendered over the years, and also relate some advice and perspectives about how to broach the issue when meeting new people.

Complete show notes for this episode at: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/pronouns

https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/pronouns

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CORRECTION: Toast mistakenly associated “Prop 8” with Hawaii in this episode, but it was actually associated with California! More on this, and all the other episode details, on the blog: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/is-coming-out-still-a-thing

• Toast shares how she was raised as an Evangelical Christian & how she came out

• Siena shares how she was raised Catholic, attended an all-girls Catholic school, had many gay uncles and aunties in her family & how she came out

• approval of non-heterosexuality in the Christian Bible

• needing to re-learn what reality is when you discover you’re gay after having been raised in the Evangelical Christian world

As of this writing – 2023 – a state of emergency for LGBTQ+ Americans is in effect according to the Human Rights Campaign, the largest organization advocating for LGBTQ+ rights in America. (https://hrc-prod-requests.s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Anti-LGBTQ-Legislation-Impact-Report.pdf )

You know we generally keep this podcast show thingamajig on the light and fun side, but we do want to make sure you’re aware that these are perilous times.

Steady On.

Blog post for this episode: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/is-coming-out-still-a-thing

LGBTQ+ Americans Under Attack: A Report and Reflection On The 2023 State Legislative Session: Read Here

Siena and Toast on Instagram: instagram.com/sienaandtoast

If you love cats come to Siena and Toast's web site here

Check out some of these related past podcast episodes

Pride Month: Good People Celebrate Goodness

LGBTQ-Positive Peace, Love, and Laughs. A Pride Month Special

Coming Out- Process and Our Stories

Pride- Then and Now

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